Extending Boundaries

I walked the few steps it took to go next door and paid a visit on Shirley.

You know, that's the first time I've done that in the 4 years we've lived here. I think that's a little sad. We both kind of danced around that -- that neither one of us had taken the time to reach out, until now. But we both also acknowledged that we both have many things that have kept us in our separate little worlds. We have pledged that we'll try to be more neighborly in future days.

It's not that we've been hostile, or even complacent; far from it! We've always waved and smiled and said 'hello'. We have both let other life commitments stay in the way of our becoming better acquainted. Now that her ailing husband has passed, perhaps she will have a few fewer stressors on her life, and a bit more time for her own needs, fewer things tearing her away from her home.

Shirley shared with me that she had a stroke 3 years back and really never had time to recover from that, for having to care for her husband. Perhaps now she'll be able to take some time for her recovery. She is grieving, that's certain. What is also certain is her knowledge through her faith that her Allen is in a better place now than he was in his last days. I am grateful to say that she has a good support system, too. There were a lot of well-wishers and comfort-bringers calling by phone and vehicle.

I pledged to her (as I pledged to the neighborhood at the recent block meeting) that I would be a more regular presence on my porch. And I invited her to join me whenever she sees me out there. She reciprocated, and pointed out the chairs that have been put on the porch in the past few days.

We had a very nice conversation. Warm. Genuine. Kind. Neighborly. I regret that it took her husband's passing to initiate it, but I am grateful that we have finally had this kind of exchange.

It seems to extend the boundaries of 'home' beyond the borders of our property.